If you are craving a dish that perfectly combines the comforting flavors of a classic cheeseburger with the hearty, satisfying texture of pasta, this Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a one-pan wonder packed with savory browned beef, tender vegetables, tangy tomato sauce, and a luscious cheese blend that melts into every bite. Whether you’re feeding a family or looking for a crowd-pleaser, this recipe is straightforward to prepare and delivers a cozy meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe lies in its simple, familiar ingredients, each bringing something special to the table. From the aromatic soffrito vegetables to the rich tomato base and indulgent cheeses, every component plays a crucial role in building the flavor and texture of this dish.
- 1 onion, finely diced: Adds sweetness and depth as it softens in the pan.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Used for sautéing, it brings a silky richness that enhances the veggies and meat.
- 1 tsp freshly minced garlic: Offers a fragrant punch that livens up the whole dish.
- 2 carrots, finely diced: For a subtle natural sweetness and a pop of color.
- 1 celery stalk, finely diced: Adds earthiness and a bit of crunch to balance the textures.
- 1 tsp salt, plus more to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the flavors.
- ½ tsp cracked black pepper, plus more to taste: For subtle heat and complexity.
- 1 tsp onion powder: Enhances the onion flavor with a deeper aroma.
- 1 tsp dried oregano: Brings a warm, herbal note that complements the tomato sauce perfectly.
- 1 tsp sugar: Balances the acidity of the tomatoes and rounds out the sauce.
- 1 tbsp finely chopped flat-leaf parsley, to serve: Adds a fresh, vibrant finish to the dish.
- 500 g (1 lb 2 oz) minced beef: The star protein, giving the dish hearty, meaty satisfaction.
- ¼ cup (60 g) tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor and thickens the sauce.
- 4 cups (1 litre) beef stock: Provides a rich, savory liquid base for simmering the pasta and beef.
- 400 g (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes: Adds brightness and tang to the sauce.
- 350 g (12½ oz) dried macaroni pasta: Classic pasta shape that holds sauce well (penne or rigatoni can also be used).
- ½ cup (125 ml) full-cream milk: Makes the sauce luxuriously creamy and smooth.
- 2 cups (250 g) freshly grated colby or cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully, imparting that iconic cheeseburger flavor.
- ½ cup (75 g) freshly grated mozzarella cheese: Creates a gooey, stretchy cheese topping that’s irresistible.
How to Make Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Start by heating your olive oil in a large, heavy-based frying pan over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion, minced garlic, carrots, celery, and a teaspoon of salt. Cook gently for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally until the vegetables soften and release their fragrant aroma—but don’t let them brown yet. This is the flavor foundation for our sauce.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Next, add the ground beef to the pan. Break it up with your spoon as it cooks so that it browns evenly and there are no large chunks left. In just a few minutes, the beef will lose its pink hue and start to develop those delicious caramelized bits that add rich umami notes to the dish.
Step 3: Season the Mixture
Now is the time to build layers of flavor. Sprinkle in the cracked black pepper, onion powder, dried oregano, and sugar. These spices and herbs will marry with the meat and vegetables, giving you that classic cheeseburger taste in pasta form. Stir everything thoroughly to combine well.
Step 4: Add Tomato Paste
Stir in the tomato paste and let it cook for about a minute. This step helps deepen the tomato flavor by gently roasting the paste with the beef and veggies, enhancing the sauce’s richness and intensity.
Step 5: Simmer with Stock and Tomatoes
Pour in the beef stock and crushed tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer on medium heat, allowing all those wonderful flavors to meld together and the sauce to start thickening.
Step 6: Cook the Pasta
Stir in the dried macaroni pasta, making sure it’s evenly mixed into the sauce. Cover the pan with a lid and let it simmer for about 15 minutes—stirring occasionally—to allow the pasta to cook perfectly while soaking up the flavorful sauce. Keep an eye on the liquid level, adding a splash of stock or water if it gets too dry before the pasta is done.
Step 7: Add Milk and Cheese
Once the pasta is tender, pour in the milk and add the freshly grated cheddar or colby cheese. Stir gently until the cheese melts fully and the sauce becomes creamy and luscious. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. If the sauce is thicker or thinner than you like, adjust its consistency with a bit more milk or stock.
Step 8: Melt the Mozzarella
Sprinkle the mozzarella evenly on top of the pasta. Cover the pan and let it sit off the heat for 30 seconds, giving the mozzarella just enough time to melt into a gooey, melty blanket that’s utterly irresistible.
Step 9: Garnish and Serve
Finally, sprinkle the finely chopped flat-leaf parsley over the top for a fresh, vivid touch. Serve your Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe hot, and get ready for a meal that hits all the right notes of comfort and indulgence in every bite.
How to Serve Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh herbs like flat-leaf parsley not only brightens the dish visually but also lifts the flavors, cutting through the richness of the cheese and beef. A sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes can add a nice gentle heat for those who like a little kick.
Side Dishes
To complement the creamy, savory pasta, consider serving a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness. Garlic bread or crunchy crusty bread also pairs beautifully, perfect for mopping up every last bit of sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the cheeseburger pasta in individual ovenproof ramekins topped with extra mozzarella, then broil them briefly for a bubbly, golden crust. Alternatively, sprinkle some toasted breadcrumbs on top for an added textural contrast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it a great make-ahead meal for busy days.
Freezing
This dish freezes very well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Just remember to leave some room at the top of the container as the sauce expands slightly when frozen.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short intervals to avoid drying out. Add a splash of milk if the sauce seems too thick, bringing back that creamy cheeseburger pasta magic.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese for this recipe?
Absolutely! While colby or cheddar with mozzarella provides the classic melty and creamy texture, you can experiment with cheeses like Monterey Jack, Gouda, or even a bit of Parmesan for a sharper twist.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives or hearty vegetables like mushrooms and lentils, and use vegetable stock instead of beef stock for a delicious vegetarian version.
What pasta can I use if I don’t have macaroni?
Penne, rigatoni, or even small shells work beautifully in this recipe. Choose pasta shapes that hold onto sauce well and cook to tender perfection in the simmering liquid.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
With some tweaks, yes. Swap out the beef for plant-based alternatives, use vegetable stock, and choose vegan cheese and milk substitutes. It will capture the essence in a plant-friendly way.
How spicy is this dish? Can I add heat?
This recipe is mild by nature, focusing on classic cheeseburger flavors. If you love spice, add some chili flakes, hot sauce, or diced jalapeños during cooking for a flavorful kick.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the way this Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe brings two beloved comfort foods together into one unforgettable dish. It’s simple enough for weeknights yet hearty and satisfying enough to impress anyone lucky enough to share it with you. I hope you find yourself making it over and over, creating warm memories with every cheesy, meaty, tender forkful.
Print
Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cheeseburger Pasta recipe combines the classic flavors of a cheeseburger with comforting pasta in a rich, cheesy sauce. Ground beef is simmered with aromatic vegetables, tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, and beef stock, then cooked together with macaroni pasta. The dish is finished with full-cream milk and a melty combination of Colby or cheddar cheese and mozzarella, creating a creamy, indulgent one-pan meal perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Seasoning
- 1 onion, finely diced
- 1 tsp freshly minced garlic
- 2 carrots, finely diced
- 1 celery stalk, finely diced
- 1 tsp salt, plus more to taste
- ½ tsp cracked black pepper, plus more to taste
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tbsp finely chopped flat-leaf parsley, to serve
Main Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 500 g (1 lb 2 oz) minced (ground) beef
- ¼ cup (60 g) tomato paste
- 4 cups (1 litre) beef stock
- 400 g (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 350 g (12½ oz) dried macaroni pasta (can substitute penne or rigatoni)
- ½ cup (125 ml) full-cream milk
- 2 cups (250 g) freshly grated Colby or cheddar cheese
- ½ cup (75 g) freshly grated mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large, heavy-based frying pan over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion, minced garlic, carrots, celery, and 1 teaspoon salt. Cook for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant without caramelizing.
- Brown the Beef: Add 500 grams of ground beef to the pan. Break up the meat with a spoon and cook for approximately 3 minutes, until the beef is browned all over and no longer pink.
- Season the Mixture: Stir in ½ teaspoon cracked black pepper, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, and 1 teaspoon sugar. Mix thoroughly to combine the spices with the beef and vegetables.
- Add Tomato Paste: Incorporate ¼ cup (60 g) tomato paste into the mixture and cook for 1 minute to enhance the flavor and develop the sauce base.
- Simmer with Stock and Tomatoes: Pour in 4 cups (1 litre) beef stock and a 400 g (14 oz) can of crushed tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
- Cook the Pasta: Add 350 g dried macaroni pasta to the simmering sauce. Cover with a lid and let simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. If the pasta is sticking or the liquid evaporates too fast, add a splash more stock or water as needed.
- Add Milk and Cheese: Stir in ½ cup (125 ml) full-cream milk and 2 cups (250 g) freshly grated Colby or cheddar cheese. Mix until the cheese has fully melted into the sauce, producing a creamy texture. Adjust salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce is too thick or too thin, adjust with additional milk or stock accordingly.
- Melt the Mozzarella: Sprinkle ½ cup (75 g) freshly grated mozzarella evenly over the pasta. Cover the pan and allow it to sit for 30 seconds to let the mozzarella melt and become gooey and luscious.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the finely chopped flat-leaf parsley on top for a fresh, vibrant finish. Serve the cheeseburger pasta hot for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- For a variation, substitute the macaroni pasta with penne or rigatoni.
- Adjust the seasoning to your liking, adding more salt or pepper if desired.
- If the pasta absorbs too much liquid before cooking through, add more beef stock or water to prevent sticking.
- Use full-cream milk to achieve the creamiest sauce; low-fat milk will result in a thinner texture.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
